The Secret to Perfect Taco Pizza (Ready in 45 Minutes!)

Key Takeaways:

• Creates 4 generous servings that combine Mexican and Italian flavors
• Uses simple pantry ingredients with easy swaps
• Perfect crispy crust with gooey cheese and seasoned meat
• Make-ahead friendly – prep components up to 2 days early

Are you tired of choosing between pizza night and taco night? This Taco Pizza with Pizza Crust brings you the best of both worlds. With a crispy crust topped with seasoned beef and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that serves 4 people perfectly.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

Kitchen Tools

• 14-inch pizza pan or stone
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza cutter
• Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Sour cream for serving
• Hot sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Before You Start (30 minutes before cooking)

1. Remove pizza dough from refrigerator:

• Place dough in a bowl
• Cover with a clean kitchen towel
• Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes
• This makes the dough easier to work with

1. Prepare your workspace:

• Clear a large counter space
• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Get all ingredients out
• Measure everything in advance
• Chop all vegetables
• Set up tools within reach

1. Start your oven:

• Place pizza stone or pan in cold oven
• Turn oven to 450°F (230°C)
• Let it preheat fully (about 20 minutes)
• Tip: An oven thermometer helps ensure accurate temperature

Making the Taco Meat (15-20 minutes)

1. Prepare your skillet:

• Place large skillet on stovetop
• Set heat to medium-high
• Let pan heat for 2 minutes

1. Cook the beef:

• Add ground beef to hot pan
• Break meat into small pieces with spatula
• Keep pieces roughly same size
• Stir every 2-3 minutes
• Cook until no pink remains (8-10 minutes)
• Color Guide: Look for even brown color

1. Drain the fat:

• Turn off heat
• Tilt pan slightly
• Spoon out excess fat into heat-safe container
• Safety: Never pour hot fat down drain

1. Season the meat:

• Return pan to medium heat
• Add full packet of taco seasoning
• Pour in 1/2 cup water
• Stir well to combine
• Simmer 3-5 minutes until liquid reduces
• Texture Check: Meat should be moist but not soupy

Preparing the Pizza Base (10-15 minutes)

1. Prepare your surface:

• Sprinkle flour on clean counter
• Use about 2 tablespoons
• Spread in 16-inch circle
• Tip: Use bench scraper to spread flour evenly

1. Shape the dough:

• Place dough in center of floured surface
• Press down with flat palms
• Work from center outward
• Aim for 14-inch circle
• Technique: If dough springs back, let rest 5 minutes

1. Create the crust:

• Use fingertips to press edges
• Make 1/2-inch raised border
• Keep thickness even
• Visual Check: No thin spots or holes

1. Transfer to pan:

• Carefully lift dough
• Use both hands
• Drape over pan
• Tip: If tears occur, pinch closed

1. Prepare for toppings:

• Brush entire surface with olive oil
• Use pastry brush or back of spoon
• Prick surface all over with fork
• Leave crust edge untouched

Adding Toppings (5-10 minutes)

1. Layer the base:

• Spread cooked taco meat evenly
• Leave 1/2-inch border clear
• Use back of spoon to spread

1. Add cheese layers:

• Sprinkle mozzarella first
• Add cheddar second
• Distribute evenly
• Amount Check: Surface should be covered but not buried

Baking Process (15-20 minutes)

1. Transfer to oven:

• Use oven mitts
• Slide pizza onto preheated stone/pan
• Close oven quickly
• Safety: Stand back from heat

1. Baking stages:

• Set timer for 15 minutes
• Check at 12 minutes
• Look for:
  • Golden brown crust
  • Bubbling cheese
  • Crispy edges
• Tip: Rotate pizza if browning unevenly

1. Remove from oven:

• Use oven mitts
• Place on heat-safe surface
• Let rest 3-5 minutes

Final Assembly (5 minutes)

1. Add fresh toppings:

• Start with shredded lettuce
• Add chopped tomatoes
• Sprinkle black olives
• Add jalapeños if using
• Tip: Keep toppings light for best texture

1. Serving preparation:

• Drizzle with sour cream
• Add hot sauce if desired
• Cut into 8 equal slices
• Serve immediately

Common Problems and Solutions

Soggy Crust?

• Pre-bake crust 5 minutes
• Drain meat well
• Don’t overload toppings

Burning Edges?

• Cover edges with foil
• Check oven temperature
• Rotate pizza halfway

Variations

• Use ground turkey for lighter option
• Try corn tortilla chips for crunch
• Add black beans for vegetarian version
• Swap in different cheese blends

Storage and Reheating

• Keep leftover pizza refrigerated up to 3 days
• Reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes
• Avoid microwave for crispy crust
• Store toppings separately

Safety Tips

• Cook beef to 160°F
• Use oven mitts with hot pan
• Let cool 5 minutes before cutting
• Keep fresh toppings refrigerated

Pro Tips

• Room temperature dough stretches better
• Pat meat dry before adding
• Shred your own cheese for better melt
• Pre-cook veggies if adding
• Cut with pizza wheel while hot

Remember: This recipe makes one 14-inch pizza that serves 4 people. Double ingredients for larger groups or leftovers.

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Note: Nutritional information varies based on specific ingredients used. This recipe contains dairy and gluten. See variations section for dietary modifications.